Retractable guide in capsule handling device

ABSTRACT

A device ( 1 ) handles a capsule ( 2   a,    2   b ) having a flange ( 2   a′,    2   b ′). The device comprises: a first part ( 10 ) and a second part ( 20 ) that are relatively movable across a space ( 3   a,    3   b ) from a transfer position for inserting and/or removing such capsule ( 2   a,    2   b ) to an extraction position for extracting such capsule; a third part ( 30 ) for guiding such capsule ( 2   a,    2   b ) to in between the first and second parts ( 10,20 ) when in the transfer position; and stop means ( 32   a,   32   b ). The stop means are configured for successively: stopping the capsule ( 2   a,    2   b ) in between the first and second parts ( 10, 20 ) in the transfer position; maintaining the capsule while the first and second parts ( 10, 20 ) are relatively moved from the transfer position towards the extraction position to receive the capsule; and allowing a liberation of the capsule from the stop means after reception of the capsule by at least one of the first and second parts ( 10,20 ) while relatively moving towards the extraction position. The third part ( 30 ) has a flange section ( 300 ) that has a first position for engaging with and guiding the capsule flange ( 2   a ′, 2 b ′) when the first and second parts ( 10, 20 ) are in the transfer position before liberation of such capsule ( 2   a,  2 b ) from the stop means ( 32   a,    32   b ). The flange section ( 300 ) in the first position extends into such space ( 3   a,    3   b ), the flange section ( 300 ) being moved after the capsule liberation from its first position to a second position in which the flange section ( 300 ) is retracted from the space ( 3   a,    3   b ) to allow a crossing thereof by the at least one of the first and second parts ( 10, 20 ).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention pertains to a device for handling capsules,in particular handling device for beverage machines using capsules of aningredient of the beverage to be prepared. The invention also relates toa combination of the device and the capsule, to a method of handling thecapsule with the device and to a use of a capsule for the device.

For the purpose of the present description, a “beverage” is meant toinclude any human-consumable liquid substance, such as tea, coffee, hotor cold chocolate, milk, soup, baby food, etc . . . . A “capsule” ismeant to include any pre-portioned beverage ingredient, such as aflavouring ingredient, within an enclosing packaging of any material, inparticular an airtight or air-permeable packaging, e.g. plastic,aluminium, recyclable and/or biodegradable packagings, and of any shapeand structure, including soft pods or rigid cartridges containing theingredient.

BACKGROUND ART

One problem encountered is the positioning of the capsule in the deviceand the closing of the latter around the capsule to perform the brewingprocess. The capsule usually has to be positioned by the user on acapsule support or in a housing, then the device is closed manually orautomatically around the capsule.

It is important to correctly position the capsule so that the devicecloses correctly around the latter and a good seal is thus achieved toensure good conditions of extraction. Bad positioning may damage thecapsule, and thus affect the conditions of extraction. The loading ofthe capsule must also be easy, without trial and error as to the correctposition of the capsule in the device. The loading must also be as rapidas possible and not require excessive manipulations. Hence, devicesexist that propose the insertion of the capsule in a vertical plane andthe movement of the extraction or infusion parts along a horizontalplane around the capsule. Such systems have the advantages of allowing aloading from the top piggy-bank fashion, and makes for rapid loading.The positioning of the capsule is then taken over by the movement of amovable part that pushes the capsule against another part such as awater heater. However, these devices are complex to produce and are notsuitable for low-cost and therefore entry-level coffee machines for theconsumer market. They are therefore usually intended for the businessmarket such as restaurants, bars or communities. For example, patentapplication WO 98/47418 relates to a device for the extraction ofpre-measured inserts in which the inserts are inserted vertically andare extracted horizontally. The disadvantage of this device is that itcomprises two movable parts for the extraction, which makes themechanical principle more complicated.

WO 2005/004683 relates to a capsule brewing device comprising: a firstpart; a second part that can be moved relative to the first part; ahousing for the capsule and defining, in a closed position of themovable part against the fixed part, an extraction position of thecapsule along an axis in said housing; an insertion and positioning partcomprising means for guiding the capsule arranged so as to insert thecapsule by gravity and position such capsule in an intermediateposition; a drink pouring system; and the second movable part is soarranged and constructed to move the capsule from the intermediateposition into the extraction position when the device is closed.

EP 1 721 553 discloses a brewing unit for coffee machines usingcapsules. The unit has a front part with a beverage outlet and a rearpart with a hot water inlet. The front part and the rear part aremounted in-between a pair of facing shoulder guide members. The frontpart is movable in-between these guide members to be urged against therear part so as to form with the rear part a brewing chamber foraccommodating a capsule to be extracted, whereby an unoccupied volume isleft in front of the front member between the guide members within themachine.

EP 1 659 547 relates to a beverage machine for making infusions, inparticular, espresso coffee. The machine includes an infusion chamberwithin a brewing unit that has a movable front part with a return springand a beverage outlet duct that extends through the assembly's outerhousing. The movable front part cooperates with a rear part that ismovable within the housing and that can be pushed against the movablefront part to compress the return spring whereby the outlet duct slidesthrough the assembly's outer housing. The capsule is passed through theexternal housing to the infusion chamber via a rigid capsule feedchannel and then the capsule is transferred into the infusion chamber byan external bushing on the movable rear part of the brewing unit whichis provided with a cam-like path for moving the rear part. Thisarrangement involves several problems. The capsule must be moved duringthe closure of the brewing chamber and this can cause blocking and italso makes the retaining means of the pod more complex. Moreover,opening and closing the brewing chamber involves simultaneously a lineardisplacement of the movable rear part within the housing, of the movablefront part within the housing and of the outlet duct through the housingwhich increases the risk of hyper-guiding and jamming or improperalignment of the various parts that linearly move one relative toanother. The fluid system comprises a moving assembly which makes thefluid system more complex to assemble. When upon extraction brewing unitis re-opened for removing the capsule, pressurized water containedwithin the infusion chamber may project outside the housing.Furthermore, an unoccupied volume is left within the machine between thefront member and the casing when the outlet duct is in its retractedposition.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,260,190 and WO 2005/072574 disclose a coffee machinehaving a removable drawer for positioning a coffee can therein. Thedrawer can be slid horizontally into the coffee machine and liftedtowards a water injection arrangement. WO 2006/023309 discloses a coffeemachine with a slidable drawer for the introduction of a coffee capsuleinto the machine. The drawer is movable between an open and a closedposition and has two capsule half-shells that are pivotable against eachother to form a brewing chamber when the drawer is in the closedposition and pivotable apart when the drawer is slid out from themachine. U.S. Pat. No. 6,966,251 discloses a coffee machine having ahorizontally slidable drawer for positioning a capsule therein. Whenslid into the machine, the drawer can be moved upwards towards a fixedcapsule cage for form a brewing chamber for a capsule. EP 1 566 126discloses a coffee machine with a vertical brewing unit foraccommodating coffee pods. The brewing unit has a fixed upper part and amovable lower part for holding a pod and that can be pulled up forclosing the brewing unit and let down for inserting or removing a pod.

Further brewing units are disclosed in EP 0 730 425, EP 0 862 882, EP 1219 217, EP 1 480 540, EP 1 635 680, EP 1 669 011, EP 1 774 878, EP 1776 026, EP 1 893 064, FR 2 424 010, U.S. Pat. No. 3,260,190, U.S. Pat.No. 4,760,774, U.S. Pat. No. 5,531,152, U.S. Pat. No. 7,131,369, US2005/0106288, US 2006/0102008, WO 2005/002405, WO 2005/016093, WO2006/005756, WO 2006/066626 and WO 2007/135136.

A devices arranged to handle ingredient capsules of different sizes aredisclosed in EP 1 208 782 and in WO 2012/123440. Further devices forhandling capsules of different sizes are disclosed in PCT/EP13/064001,PCT/EP13/064003, PCT/EP13/070756, PCT/EP13/070780, PCT/EP13/070866,PCT/EP13/071453, EP2012197961.1 and EP2012197963.7.

There is still a need to provide a device for handling reliablycapsules, in particular capsules of different sizes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a device forhandling capsules, in particular ingredient capsules in a beveragepreparation machine.

In a particular embodiment, the invention relates to a device forhandling capsules containing at least one ingredient typically toprepare a beverage from such ingredient in a beverage machine. Forinstance, the machine is a coffee, tea, chocolate, cacao, milk or souppreparation machine. For instance, the machine is arranged for preparingwithin a processing module a beverage by passing hot or cold water oranother liquid through a capsule containing an ingredient, such as aflavouring ingredient, of the beverage to be prepared, such as groundcoffee or tea or chocolate or cacao or milk powder.

Such beverage preparation typically includes the mixing of a pluralityof beverage ingredients, e.g. water and milk powder, and/or the infusionof a beverage ingredient, such as an infusion of ground coffee or teawith water. For instance, a predetermined amount of beverage is formedand dispensed on user-request, which corresponds to a serving. Thevolume of such a serving may be in the range of 25 to 200 ml, e.g. thevolume for filling a cup or mug, depending on the type of beverage.

Formed and dispensed beverages may be selected from ristrettos,espressos, lungos, cappuccinos, café latte, americano coffees, teas, etc. . . . For example, a coffee machine may be configured for dispensingespressos, e.g. an adjustable volume of 20 to 60 ml per serving, and/orfor dispensing lungos, e.g. a volume in the range of 70 to 150 ml perserving.

Typically, the ingredient is contained in a capsule having an aluminiumor plastic or paper enclosure and supplied within the capsule to theprocessing module of the machine.

The capsule may have a flange, e.g. a rim, and a receptacle that issymmetric or asymmetric relative to the flange, conical orfrusto-conical or cylindrical or spherical or hemispherical orfrusto-spherical, for holding the capsule content, such as a beverageingredient, e.g. ground coffee, tea or cacao or another beverageingredient. The flange may be deformed while it is handled by thedevice, e.g. the flange may be urged beyond stop means of the varietybelow.

In particular, the invention relates to a device for handling a capsulehaving a flange. The device comprises:

-   -   a first part and a second part that are relatively movable        across a space from a transfer position for inserting and/or        removing such capsule to an extraction position for extracting        such capsule;    -   a third part for guiding such capsule to inbetween the first and        second parts when in the transfer position, optionally the third        part being fixed to the first or the second part, the third part        being for instance integral with or assembled to the part it is        fixed to; and    -   stop means for successively: stopping the capsule inbetween the        first and second parts in the transfer position; maintaining the        capsule while the first and second parts are relatively moved        from the transfer position towards the extraction position to        receive said capsule; and allowing a liberation of the capsule        from the stop means after reception of the capsule by at least        one of the first and second parts while relatively moving        towards the extraction position.

The stop means for stopping the capsule inbetween the first and secondparts can be arranged so that when the first and second parts are movedfrom the transfer position to the extraction position the capsule can betaken over (and usually secured) by the first and second parts.

The third part has a flange section that has a first position forengaging with and guiding the capsule flange when the first and secondparts are in the transfer position before liberation of such capsulefrom the stop means.

In accordance with the invention, the flange section in the firstposition extends into the space, the flange section being moved afterthe capsule liberation from its first position to a second position inwhich the flange section is retracted from the space to allow a crossingthereof by the at least one of the first and second parts.

The flange section can be implemented in a device that can handleseveral types of capsules, e.g. the below discussed first and secondcapsules or even more capsule types, or only one type of capsules. Themovable flange section can be provided to allow the passage of one ofthe first and second parts when such part would otherwise interfere ifflange section remained in its first position at the passage of thefirst or second part.

Hence, the first and/or second portions may include movable flangesection(s) to give way to an object, the movement of which wouldotherwise interfere with the movable section in the first position.Typically, the object can be at least one of a capsule, the first partand the second part, such capsule or first part or second part beinglarger than the space at the movable flange section in its firstposition, the first and or second parts being for example structurallyreinforced and/or expanded to receive a larger capsule.

The flange section may bear at least part of the stop means.

The flange section can be pivotable or translatable between its firstand second positions, the flange section being in particular pivotableabout an axis that is generally orthogonal or at an angle to a movementdirection of the relatively movable first and second parts.

The flange section can be provided with at least one plain bearingsurface for a guidance of the flange section between its first andsecond position. Optionally, the flange section is provided with twoparallel or concentric bearing surfaces.

The flange section may be part of a portion for engaging with andguiding the flange of the capsule, the portion having a flangeengagement and guiding arrangement comprising facing rails or groovesfor engaging with generally opposite and corresponding matching edges ofthe flanges.

At least one of the first and second parts may comprise an actuator foractuating the flange section between its first and second positions.Optionally, the flange section has a dive arm that is actuated by theactuator.

At least one of the first and second parts can be arranged to takeselectively a first configuration for receiving a first capsule and asecond configuration for receiving a second capsule larger than thefirst capsule. Optionally, a first capsule has a first flange and asecond capsule has a second flange greater than the first flange.

At least one of the first and the second parts arranged to takeselectively the first and second configurations may include the aboveactuator. The actuator is optionally moved between first and secondpositions by changing the configuration of the at least one of the firstand the second parts.

The first and second parts in their first configuration can berelatively movable across a first space. The first and second parts intheir second configuration may be relatively movable across a secondspace that is larger than the first space. The flange section in itsfirst position can extend into the second space and be moved into itssecond position when the first and second parts in their secondconfiguration are moved to the extraction position, the flange sectionin its first position:

-   -   extending into the first space and being moved into its second        position when the first and second parts in their first        configuration are moved to the extraction position; or    -   remaining outside the first space and remaining in the first        position while the first and second parts in their first        configuration are moved from the transfer position to the        extraction position; or    -   extending into the first and second spaces and being moved into        its second position when the first and second parts in their        first configuration or in their second configuration are moved        to the extraction position.

The device can be configured for handling a first capsule having a firstflange and a second capsule having a second flange greater than thefirst flange. The third part may have: a first portion for engaging withand guiding the first flange of the first capsule, the first portionoptionally including the flange section; and a second portion forengaging with and guiding the second flange of the second capsule.

The third part may be so configured that: the first portion is bypassedby the second flange when the second capsule is guided to inbetween thefirst and second parts in the transfer position; and the second portionis bypassed by the first flange when the first capsule is guided toinbetween the first and second parts in the transfer position.

Hence, to handle capsules of different dimensions, the handling devicemay be provided with two insertion guiding paths, i.e. defined by thefirst and second portions, that can discriminate geometrically betweenflanges of differently sized flanges of the differently dimensionedcapsules. However, other flange discrimination arrangements are alsocontemplated, e.g. magnetically or electromagnetically or optically orother sensing arrangement, with a controlled gate arrangement for theaccess by the flanges of the first and second portions.

The stop means may include at least one member for stopping the firstcapsule flange after engagement in the first portion and/or for stoppingthe second capsule flange after engagement in the second portion. Thestop means may include:

-   -   at least one pair of facing members for stopping thereinbetween        the first capsule flange and/or the second capsule flange,        optionally the flange section comprising one of the facing        members, each flange section of a pair of facing flange sections        comprising for instance one of said facing members; and/or    -   at least a first member for stopping the first capsule flange        and at least one second member for stopping the second capsule        flange, optionally the flange section comprising one of the        facing members; and/or    -   a pair of facing first members for stopping therebetween the        first capsule flange and a pair of facing second members for        stopping therebetween the second capsule flange, a pair of        facing first or second members being for instance comprised in a        corresponding pair of facing flange sections, optionally the        facing first members being spaced apart by a distance that is        smaller than the spacing distance of facing second members        and/or the facing first members being spaced apart by a distance        that is smaller than the dimension of the first flange and the        facing second members being spaced apart by a distance that is        smaller than the dimension of the second flange.

The first portion may have a first flange engagement and guidingarrangement dimensioned for the first flange. The second portion canhave a second flange engagement and guiding arrangement dimensioned forthe second flange. Optionally, the second arrangement is larger than thefirst arrangement.

The first portion that optionally includes the flange section, can havea first flange engagement and guiding arrangement comprising facingrails or grooves for engaging with generally opposite and correspondingmatching edges of the first flange. The second portion can have a secondflange engagement and guiding arrangement comprising facing rails orgrooves for engaging with generally opposite and corresponding matchingedges of the second flange. The first and second portions may have thefacing rails or grooves, the facing rails or grooves of the firstportion being spaced apart by a first spacing distance adjusted to thefirst flange, the facing rails or grooves of the second portion beingspaced apart by a second spacing distance adjusted to the second flange,the second spacing distance being greater than the first spacingdistance. Optionally, the first spacing distance is smaller than adimension of the second flange extending between the facing rails orgrooves of the second portion when the second flange is guided by thefacing rails or grooves of the second portion.

The third part can have at least one of: a branching portion, such as awedge arrangement, for directing the first flange to the first portionand the second flange to the second portion; a common portion forengaging with any of the first and second flanges and for guiding theflanges either to the first portion or to the second portion; and awindow for allowing any of the capsules into the third part, the windowhaving optionally a shape that generally corresponds to an outermostboundary of superimposed transverse cross-sections of the first andsecond capsules.

The handling device can include separation means for separating thecapsule from at least one of the first and second parts, e.g. from acavity in the at least one of the first and second parts, when they arerelatively moved from the extraction position to the transfer position.The separation means may be movable relative to the at least one of thefirst and second parts. For instance, the separation means are fixed tothe third part. The separation means can be resiliently movable foracting against the flanges of the capsules and positionable (e.g. pushedinto a proper position) by the capsules, e.g. by a capsule receptacle ofthe capsules, to engage with the flanges.

The separation means can be configured to act against either of thefirst and second flanges. The separation means, e.g. a separation bodyof the separation means, can be movable to adapt spatially to either ofthe first and second flanges. The separation means may have an engagingportion that is movable into a position for engaging with the firstflange and a position for engaging with the second flange and optionallyinto a rest position and/or a position for allowing a passage for therelatively moving first and second parts.

In one embodiment, the separation means comprises a separator that has acapsule engaging portion and an anchorage portion for mounting theseparator in such device. The engaging portion forming optionally a ramfor acting against the capsule, in particular against the capsuleflange, for separating such capsule from at least one of the first andsecond parts.

The separation means may include a pair of separators, at least one ofthe first and second parts being located between the separators when inthe extraction position and/or such capsule being located between theseparators when in the extraction position.

At least one of the first and second parts can have a cavity forreceiving a capsule receptacle of such capsule, the separation meansbeing movable relatively to the cavity so that the capsule flange ofsuch capsule is intercepted by the separation means moving relatively tothe cavity when the first and second parts are relatively moved from theextraction position to the transfer position to separate the capsulereceptacle from the cavity.

The invention also relates to a system that comprises a capsule and adevice described above.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for handling in adevice as described above a capsule having a flange, in whichsuccessively:

-   -   such capsule is guided by the third part to inbetween the first        and second parts in the transfer position;    -   such capsule is stopped by the stopping means inbetween the        first and second parts in the transfer position;    -   such capsule is maintained by the stopping means inbetween the        first and second parts when relatively moved from the transfer        position towards the extraction position;    -   such capsule is being received in at least one of the first and        second parts when relatively moved from the transfer position        towards the extraction position;    -   such capsule is liberated from the stop means after reception of        the capsule by at least one of the first and second parts while        relatively moving towards the extraction position; and    -   after liberation of the capsule, the flange section is moved        from its first position to its second position in which the        flange section is retracted from the above mentioned space to        allow a crossing thereof by the at least one of the first and        second parts.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a use of a capsule having aflange for:

-   -   being handled in a device as described above;    -   implementing a system as described above comprising such capsule        and the device; or    -   carrying out a method as described above for handling such        capsule.

The arrangement of the handling device, e.g. the third part, for guidingthe capsule to inbetween the first and second parts when in the transferposition may delimit a capsule passage, e.g. a chimney, that isgenerally upright so that the capsule is movable in the passage underthe effect of gravity. The passage may extend generally perpendicularlyto the direction of movement of the relatively moving first and secondparts (or at a small angle to this perpendicular orientation, e.g. inthe range of 1 to 30 deg or 3 to 15 deg.) The passage may be vertical orat an angle to the vertical, e.g. 0 to 45 deg. to the vertical, such asless than 30 or 15 deg. to the vertical, in particular 3 to 10 deg. tothe vertical.

Typically, the device is mounted in a beverage preparation machine thatcomprises a stationary structure, such as a housing and/or a frame. Thestructure may be arranged to rest on a support surface such as a table.The capsule passage may be stationary relative to the structure.

The handling device may comprise or be associated with a motor formoving the first and second parts between the transfer and theextraction positions.

The handling device typically has a first part and a second part movablerelative to the first part from a position for extracting therein acapsule to a transfer position for inserting a capsule into the handlingdevice and/or for evacuation thereof from the handling device.

Examples of operating principles of handling devices that can be adaptedto the present handling device are disclosed in WO2005/004683, EP 2 068684, EP 2 205 133, WO 2011/042400, WO2012/025258 and WO2013/127476 andin the references cited therein. The first and second relatively movableparts may be relatively movable manually, semi-automatically and/orautomatically, in particular by an electric motor and/or hydraulically.

In the context of the present invention, the “first part” and the“second part” may refer to a single component typically assemblingdifferent functions, e.g. mechanical guiding function, mechanicalholding function, mechanical piercing function, flow function, pressurefunction, etc . . . , and/or refer to a plurality of componentsassociating the desired function(s). The second part of the handlingdevice can be made movable relative to the first part and relative tothe stationary structure. The first part may be stationary relative tothe structure or movable thereto. The second part can be arranged tomove in a direction, in particular an arched and/or linear direction.Typically, the first and second parts in their extraction positiondelimit a chamber for housing the ingredient capsule, such as tea orcoffee or chocolate or powder milk capsule. The handling device may beintegrated in a processing module that includes an upstream fluidcircuit for delivering a carrier liquid, such as water, into the chamberand a downstream fluid circuit having a beverage outlet for deliveringfrom the chamber the beverage formed by the carrier liquid that isflavoured by the beverage (flavouring) ingredient of the capsule.

The handling device, when adapted to handle capsules of different sizes,e.g. different length, may for example integrate the teaching disclosedin PCT/EP13/070756, PCT/EP13/070866, PCT/EP13/071453, EP2012197961.1 andEP2012197963.7.

The handling device may be arranged to operate with closed or partlyclosed capsules that need to be opened prior to extraction, e.g. byappropriate openers as for example disclosed in EP0512468, EP0512470,EP2013180164.9, EP2013180165.6, EP2013180166.4, PCT/EP2013/073530 andthe references cited therein. Alternatively, the capsules may be openedin which case the handling device does not need to incorporate anycapsule opener, e.g. an extraction chamber delimited by the handlingdevice is provided with a simple inlet and outlet and optionally asieve.

For supplying capsules into the handling device, such device mayincorporate or be associated with a capsule positioner, e.g.incorporating the teaching disclosed in PCT/EP13/064001 andPCT/EP13/064003.

To increase the automation of the capsule handling and/or the capsuleextraction, the device may incorporate or be associated with a capsulesensing arrangement and capsule handling and/or extraction control, e.g.incorporating the teaching of WO 2012/123440.

The beverage preparation machine with the handling device may be adaptedfor processing capsules of a first type having a first size and capsulesof a second type having a second size. For example, the capsules areprovided with flanges, e.g. guiding flanges as discussed above, anddiffer from each other at least by the size of their respective flanges.The beverage preparation machine may further comprise a size sensingarrangement configured to:

-   -   detect a presence of a capsule in the positioner; and/or    -   determine a size information by measuring a size of said        detected capsule and comparing said measured size to the first        and the second size; and/or    -   send the size information to the processing module.

For example, the first and the second type of capsules have differentdimensions and/or volumes for containing the ingredient. The handlingdevice may be adapted to handle more than two types of capsules.

For instance, the size sensing arrangement may be adapted to detect thepresence of a capsule in the positioner by receiving or readinginformation from the capsule, and/or by measuring at least one of thefollowing characteristic of the capsule: spectral property, colour,electrical property, resistivity, capacitance, electromagnetic property,magnetic induced field, mechanical property, geometry, weight,identifying information, code bar, emitted or reflected signal.

For instance, the size sensing arrangement may be configured to detect apresence of a capsule in the positioner by detecting if a metallicobject is present in the positioner. The size sensing arrangement maycomprise an inductive detection arrangement configured to detect apresence of a capsule in the positioner by producing with a sensingelement an electro-magnetical field in the positioner and by detectingvariations of said electro-magnetical field induced by the presence of acapsule of the first or the second type.

The machine typically includes a control unit, in particular a unit forcontrolling the processing module and optionally the handling device.The control unit may comprise a power management module arranged topower the control unit and optionally further electric components, suchas a user-interface and/or a thermal conditioner in particular a heaterand/or a cooler. The machine may have a control unit for controlling theprocessing module, the control unit being arranged to initiateautomatically beverage preparation when the ingredient capsule is in thehandling device in the extraction position. Insertion of the ingredientcapsule into the handling device may be detected by any system, e.g. asknown in the art such as an optical detection.

The processing module can be configured to circulate automatically amixing and/or infusion liquid to the ingredient of the capsule in thehandling device when the first and second parts reach the extractionposition, e.g. a closed position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described with reference to the schematicdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of part of a handling device in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a part of the device shown in FIG. 1, FIGS. 2aand 2b illustrating the use of capsules of different sizes in thedevice;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a movable flange section of the deviceshown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are side views of this movable flange section in operationin the device;

FIGS. 6a to 13a and 6b to 13b illustrate, in a perspective views fromthe side and above, two handling sequences of two capsules differing bytheir size in the device of FIG. 1, FIG. 13x being an enlarged view of aportion of FIG. 13 a;

FIGS. 14a to 17a and 14b to 17b illustrate, in a perspective views frombelow, two handling sequences (side-by-side) of two capsules ofdifferent size using the device of FIG. 1; and

FIGS. 18 and 19 show capsules of two different types that can be used inthe device of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An exemplary capsule handling device 1 as well as its operation with acapsule, all in accordance with the invention, are illustrated in FIGS.1 to 17 b.

Such handling device 1 may be included in a beverage machine (not shown)having a capsule ingredient processing module that includes the handlingdevice.

In the particular embodiment illustrated in the Figures, in particularin FIGS. 6 a, 6 b, 18 and 19, device 1 is arranged for handlingselectively a first capsule 2 a having a first flange 2 a′ and a secondcapsule 2 b having a second flange 2 b′ greater than first flange 2 a′.For instance, second flange 2 b′ has a dimension, e.g. diameter db, thatis greater than a dimension, e.g. diameter da, of first flange 2 a′.Optionally, second capsule 2 b has a height hb that is greater than aheight ha of first capsule 2 a.

Capsule 2 a, 2 b can be of the type described above under the header“field of the invention”. Capsule 2 a, 2 b may have a container-body orreceptacle 2 a″,2 b″, e.g. a generally cup-shaped body, for holding thecapsule content, such as a beverage ingredient. Capsule 2 a, 2 b mayhave an axis of symmetry 2 as, 2 bs, for example an axis of revolution.Capsule 2 a, 2 b may have a face 2 a ^(IV),2 b ^(IV), e.g. forming abottom of body or receptacle 2 a″,2 b″. At face 2 a ^(IV),2 b ^(IV)outflowing or inflowing liquid may be circulated, e.g. a carrier liquidsuch as water to be mixed with the content of capsule 2 a, 2 b.

The storage space of capsule 2 b may be greater than the storage spaceof capsule 2 a. For instance, second capsule 2 b may for instance have ashoulder portion 2 b ^(VI) that provides additional storage space forthe content, e.g. ingredient.

Capsule 2 a, 2 b may have a flange 2 a′,2 b′ at a rim of body orreceptacle 2 a″,2 b″ confining a face 2 a ^(V),2 b ^(V), e.g. a lid suchas a sealing lid. At face 2 a ^(V),2 b ^(V) outflowing or inflowingliquid may be circulated, e.g. a carrier liquid such as water to bemixed with the content of capsule 2 a, 2 b.

For example, a carrier liquid such as water flows into capsule 2 a, 2 bat face 2 a ^(IV),2 b ^(IV) and liquid extract, e.g. a beverage formedby mixing the capsule content with the carrier liquid, flows out ofclaims 2 a, 2 b at face 2 a ^(V),2 b ^(V).

Suitable capsules are for example disclosed in EP 0 512 468, EP 0 512470 and EP 2 068 684.

Capsule handling device 1 comprises a first part 10 and a second part 20that are relatively movable from a transfer position for insertingand/or removing such capsule 2 a, 2 b to an extraction position forextracting such capsule 2 a, 2 b. As illustrated in FIGS. 6a and 6 b,capsule 2 a, 2 b may be inserted from above device 1 along an insertiondirection 2 into device 1. As illustrated in FIGS. 13a and 13b capsule 2a, 2 b may be removed from device 1 along a removable direction 2′ belowdevice 1. Capsule 2 a, 2 b may be collected in a capsule collector belowdevice 1, for example as disclosed in WO 2009/074559.

For instance, first and second parts 10,20 are relatively moved by anappropriate motorization, e.g. as disclosed in WO 2012/025258 and WO2013/127476.

Device 1 can have an extraction chamber for holding and housing capsule2 a, 2 b that is formed by bringing first and second parts 10,20 intothe extraction position. The extraction chamber may be configured forholding and housing a capsule 2 a, 2 b containing a flavouringingredient, such as tea or coffee or chocolate or powder milk. Asmentioned above. When capsule 2 a, 2 b is located in the extractionchamber, axis of symmetry 2 as, 2 bs may generally be aligned with acorresponding axis of symmetry of the extraction chamber. To accommodatecapsules of different sizes, e.g. as illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19, thechamber may have variable dimensions fitting about the capsules and/orclosure distances, as for example disclosed in PCT/EP13/070756 andPCT/EP13/070866.

The processing module that includes device 1 may be configured tocirculate a liquid into the chamber, typically for mixing with theingredient in particular for brewing the capsule's ingredient. Forinstance, one part 10 is configured for an injection of water into thechamber and another part 20 is a beverage dispensing part. For example,part 10 forms a cage for receiving capsule 2 a, 2 b and part 20 includesa beverage delivery plate 21 associated with a beverage outlet (notshown). Optionally, delivery plate 21 is mounted in a frame 22. Deliveryplate 21 may include one or more openings for the outflow of beverageand/or one or more elements for opening capsule 2 a, 2 b. Openingelements are not needed when capsule 2 a, 2 b is pre-opened and/orincludes a self-opening arrangement, e.g. an opening arrangementactivated by a pressure increase in or on the capsule, e.g. a pressureincrease resulting from an injection of water or another carrier liquidunder pressure into the extraction chamber.

When closed capsules 2 a, 2 b are used, first and second parts 10,20 mayinclude a capsule opener such as blades and/or a tearing tool, e.g. aplate 21 with a tearing profile, for instance as known from Nespresso™machines. See for example EP 0 512 468, EP 0 512 470, PCT/EP2013/073530,EP2013180164.9 and EP2013180166.4 and EP2013180165.6.

A flavoured beverage may be prepared by circulating a carrier liquid,such as water, into the ingredient chamber to flavour the liquid byexposure to the flavouring ingredient held in the extraction chamber.

An automatic capsule recognition system may be used to parameterize andadjust the processing of capsule 2 a, 2 b automatically in line with therecognized capsule type. Capsules 2 a, 2 b may differ as to the volumeof their content and/or the conditions for extracting the content, e.g.temperature, pressure and/or flow characteristics.

A beverage machine including device 1 typically incorporates one or moreof the following components:

-   -   a) The processing module, e.g. a fluid circuit including device        1, delimiting in the processing position the extraction chamber        for receiving and housing ingredient capsule 2 a, 2 b and for        guiding via an inlet an incoming flow of liquid for flavouring        thereof, such as water, through this ingredient to a beverage        outlet;    -   b) an in-line heater and/or cooler for heating this flow of        liquid to be supplied to ingredient capsule 2 a, 2 b or a boiler        and/or cooler reservoir for heating or cooling a batch of the        liquid for the same purpose;    -   c) a pump for pumping liquid through or from the heater or        cooler;    -   d) one or more fluid connecting members for guiding liquid from        a source of liquid, such as tank of liquid; a fluid tube        extending to the heater or cooler or the pump;    -   e) an electric control unit, in particular comprising a printed        circuit board (PCB), for receiving instructions from a user via        an input user-interface and/or capsule recognition system and        for controlling the heater, cooler, pump and possibly handling        device 1; and/or    -   f) one or more sensors for sensing at least one characteristic        selected from characteristics of the processing module, the        heater and/or cooler, the pump, capsule 2 a, 2 b, a liquid tank,        an ingredient collector, a flow of the liquid (e.g. by a        flowmeter), a pressure of the liquid and a temperature of the        liquid, and for communicating such characteristic(s) to the        control unit.

For instance, the processing module includes or is connected to anupstream fluid arrangement, e.g. incorporating a liquid driver, such asa pump, and a thermal conditioner, such as a heater, for circulatingthermally conditioned liquid, such as water, from a source, e.g. aliquid reservoir, into the ingredient processing chamber. Examples ofupstream fluid arrangements are disclosed in WO 2009/074550 and in WO2009/130099. The heater may be a thermoblock or an on demand heater(ODH), for instance an ODH type disclosed in EP 1 253 844, EP 1 380 243and EP 1 809 151.

Examples of suitable fluid circuits of processing modules are forinstance disclosed in WO 2009/074550 and WO 2009/130099, which arehereby incorporated by way of reference. Control unit configurations andconnections are for example disclosed in WO 2009/043851 and WO2009/043865.

Moreover, the processing module typically includes a downstream fluidarrangement collecting the prepared beverage and leading into an outletfor dispensing beverage to a user, e.g. to an area for placing auser-cup or a user-mug, the beverage formed in the extraction chambercontaining the ingredient mixed with the circulating liquid. Thedispensing area may be delimited at the bottom by a support surface forholding a user cup or mug. Such support surfaces are well known in theart, e.g. as disclosed in EP 1 867 260 and WO 2009/074557.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2, 2 a and 2 b, device 1 can have a third part30 for guiding such capsule 2 a, 2 b to inbetween first and second parts10,20 when in the transfer position. Third part 30 typically delimits acapsule passage or chimney.

For guiding capsule 2 a, 2 b to inbetween first and second parts 10,20in their transfer position, third part can have: a first portion 31 afor engaging with and guiding first flange 2 a′ of first capsule 2 a;and a second portion 31 b for engaging with and guiding second flange 2b′ of second capsule 2 b. For instance, third part 30 is so configuredthat: first portion 31 a is bypassed by second flange 2 b′ when secondcapsule 2 b is guided to inbetween the first and second parts 10,20 inthe transfer position; and second portion 31 b is bypassed by firstflange 2 a′ when first capsule 2 a is guided to inbetween the first andsecond parts 10,20 in the transfer position.

First portion 31 a can have a first flange engagement and guidingarrangement 31 a′ dimensioned for first flange 2 a′. Second portion 31 bmay have a second flange engagement and guiding arrangement 31 b′dimensioned for second flange 2 b′. Optionally, second arrangement 31 b′is larger than first arrangement 31 a′.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2, 2 a, 2 b, 6 a, 6 b and 13 x first portion 31a may have a first flange engagement and guiding arrangement 31 a′comprising facing rails or grooves for engaging with generally oppositeand corresponding matching edges 2 a′″ of first flange 2 a′. Secondportion 31 b can have a second flange engagement and guiding arrangement31 b′ comprising facing rails or grooves for engaging with generallyopposite and corresponding matching edges 2 b′″ of second flange 2 b′.

For instance, such facing rails or grooves 31 a′ of first portion 31 aare spaced apart by a first spacing distance Da adjusted to the firstflange 2 a′ and facing rails or grooves 31 b′ of second portion 31 b arespaced apart by a second spacing distance Db adjusted to second flange 2b′. First and second spacing distances are indicated by arrows Da,Dbthat show the direction of measuring the spacing between facing groovesor rails, of which only the grooves or rails of one side of part 30 ispartly shown in the perspective view of FIG. 13 x. Second spacingdistance Db can be greater than first spacing distance Da. First spacingdistance Da can be smaller than a dimension db of second flange 2 b′,typically a diameter db of flange 2 b′, extending between facing railsor grooves 31 b′ of second portion 31 b when second flange 2 b′ isguided by facing rails or grooves 31 b′ of second portion. Hence, whenspacing distance Da of facing rails or grooves 31 a′ of first portion 31a is smaller than diameter db of second flange 2 b′, second flange 2 b′is geometrically prevented from engaging facing rails or grooves 31 a′of first portion 31 a and can be guided to facing rails or grooves 31 b′of second portion 31 b. Such a configuration is illustrated in FIG. 13xin combination with FIGS. 6a and 6 b.

Third part 30 can have a branching portion 31′, such as a wedgearrangement, for directing first flange 2 a′ to the first portion 31 aand second flange 2 b′ to second portion 31 b.

Third part 30 can have a common portion 31″ for engaging with any offirst and second flanges 2 a′,2 b′ and for guiding such flanges eitherto first portion 31 a or second portion 31 b (FIGS. 2, 2 a and 2 b).

Third part 30 may have a window 35 for allowing capsules 2 a, 2 b intothird part 30. For instance, window 35 has a shape that generallycorresponds to an outermost boundary of superimposed transversecross-sections of first and second capsules 2 a, 2 b, such as agenerally bell-shaped window 35 (FIG. 1).

Window 35 may be associated with a capsule positioner (not shown) thatreceives capsules 2 a, 2 b to then supply it through window 35, forexample as disclosed in PCT/EP13/064003 and PCT/EP13/064001. Forinstance, the positioner is located above window 35. The capsulepositioner can be located above or on top of the capsule guiding part30, e.g. above a capsule passage or chimney, so that capsule 2 a, 2 bcan be driven by gravity from the capsule positioner to inbetween parts10,20.

Window 35 or a capsule positioner located thereon, may be associatedwith a capsule variety detector and/or capsule size detector, forexample as disclosed in WO 2012/123440. The beverage machine maycomprise a capsule-length detector. The capsule detector can be adaptedto detect the presence of a capsule 2 a, 2 b to be positioned inbetweenparts 10,20 for instance when positioned on a positioner and to identifywhether the detected capsule is of a first type 2 a or of a second type2 b different to the first type 2 a. More particularly, thecapsule-length detector may be configured to determine the type of thecapsule according to the length of the capsule. For example, thecapsule-length detector may be configured to detect the presence of ametallic capsule in the positioner, and then, determine if the detectedcapsule is of the first type or the second type by checking if themaximum length of the capsule along its axis of symmetry 2 as, 2 bs issensibly equal to a first length ha or to a second length hbcorresponding respectively to the first capsule type 2 a and secondcapsule type 2 b. Such a detection is for example disclosed in greaterdetails in co-pending application EP 2012187762.5.

Third part 30 can include stop means 32 a, 32 b for stopping capsule 2a, 2 b inbetween first and second parts 10,20 so that when first andsecond parts 10,20 are moved from the transfer position to theextraction position capsule 2 a, 2 b can be taken over and secured bythe first and second parts 10,20 for extraction. For instance, the stopmeans comprise at least one member 32 a, 32 b for stopping first capsuleflange 2 a′ after engagement in first portion 31 a and/or for stoppingsecond capsule flange 2 b′ after engagement in the second portion 31 b.For example, as illustrated in the appended figures, the stop meanscomprise:

-   -   at least one pair of facing members 32 a, 32 b for stopping        thereinbetween first capsule flange 2 a′ or second capsule        flange 2 b′ (FIGS. 2 and 13 x); and/or    -   at least a first member 32 a for stopping first capsule flange 2        a′ and at least one second member 32 b for stopping second        capsule flange 2 b′; and/or    -   a pair of facing first members 32 a for stopping therebetween        first capsule flange 2 a′ and a pair of facing second members 32        b for stopping therebetween said second capsule flange 2 b′;        optionally facing first members 32 a being spaced apart by a        distance that is smaller than the spacing distance of facing        second members 32 a and/or the facing first members 32 a being        spaced apart by a distance that is smaller than dimension da of        first flange 2 a′ and facing second members 32 b being spaced        apart by a distance that is smaller than dimension db of the        second flange 2 b′.

When handling device 1 is configured to handle capsules 2 a, 2 b thattilt inbetween first and second parts 10,20, e.g. capsules 2 a, 2 bhaving tilted axis of symmetry 2 as, 2 bs, as for example illustrated inFIGS. 2 to 2 b, and when first capsule 2 a has a height ha that isshorter than height hb of second capsule 2 b (FIGS. 18 and 19), firstmember(s) 32 a may for example be located at a level below secondmember(s) 32 b (FIG. 2) so that ends, e.g. faces 2 a ^(IV),2 b ^(IV), ofcapsules 2 a, 2 b opposite members 32 a, 32 b are located at about thesame level, as indicated by dashed lines 2 x, 2y in FIGS. 2a and 2 b.Thereby, ends 2 a ^(IV),2 b ^(IV) can be taken over at about the samelevel (height) by relatively moving parts 10,20 when moved towards theextraction position, as illustrated in FIGS. 9a and 9 b. However, such aconfiguration results from the particular dimensions of capsules 2 a, 2b and the configuration and path of movement of parts 10,20 as well asthe particular configuration of part 30. Other equivalent configurationsare equally possible without departing from the inventive idea, e.g. arelative movement of parts 10,20 along a generally identical orientation2 as, 2 bs of capsules 2 a, 2 b in their position inbetween parts 10,20.

First portion 31 a may include a first flange section 300 (FIG. 3) thatis movable between a first position (FIGS. 1, 4, 6 a to 10 a, 13 a and13 b) for engaging with first flange 2 a′ and a second position (FIGS.5, 10 b to 12 b) for freeing a passage for second capsule 2 b and/or forat least one of the first and second parts 10,20 in a configuration forreceiving second capsule 2 b.

Hence, flange section can be implemented in a device 1 that can handleseveral types of capsules, e.g. the abovementioned first and secondcapsules 2 a, 2 b, or only one type of capsules, e.g. to allow thepassage of one of the first and second parts when such part wouldotherwise interfere with flange section 300 if the latter remained inits first position at the passage of the first or second part.

It follows that in an embodiment, device 1 for handling a capsule 2 a, 2b that has a flange 2 a′,2 b′ (i.e. device 1 is configured for handlinga single capsule type or, as discussed above, a plurality of capsuletypes 2 a, 2 b having different flange sizes 2 a′,2 b′), comprises: afirst part 10 and a second part 20 that are relatively movable across aspace 3 a, 3 b from a transfer position for inserting and/or removingsuch capsule 2 a, 2 b to an extraction position for extracting suchcapsule; a third part 30 for guiding such capsule 2 a, 2 b to inbetweenfirst and second parts 10,20 when in the transfer position. Optionallythird part 30 is fixed to first part 10 or to second part 20. Third part30 is for example integral with or assembled to part 10,20 it is fixedto. Device 1 further comprises stop means 32 a, 32 b for successively:stopping capsule 2 a, 2 b inbetween first and second parts 10,20 in thetransfer position; maintaining capsule 2 a, 2 b while first and secondparts 10,20 are relatively moved from the transfer position towards theextraction position to receive said capsule; and allowing a liberationof capsule 2 a, 2 b from stop means 32 a, 32 b after reception ofcapsule 2 a, 2 b by at least one of first and second parts 10,20 whilerelatively moving towards the extraction position. Third part 30 has aflange section 300 that has a first position for engaging with andguiding capsule flange 2 a′,2 b′ when first and second parts 10,20 arein the transfer position before liberation of such capsule 2 a, 2 b fromstop means 32 a, 32 b. Flange section 300 in the first position canextend into space 3 a, 3 b, the flange section 300 being moved aftercapsule liberation from its first position to a second position in whichflange section 300 is retracted from space 3 a, 3 b to allow a crossingthereof by at least one of the first and second parts 10,20.

Flange section 300 typically has a member 304 bearing a stop means 32 aand at least part of a portion 31 a for engaging with and guiding flange2 a′ (FIG. 3).

Flange section 300 can be: pivotable or translatable between its firstand second positions, flange section 300 being optionally:

-   -   pivotable about an axis 301 that is generally orthogonal or at        an angle to a movement direction of the relatively movable first        and second parts 10,20 (FIG. 3); and/or    -   provided with at least one plain bearing surface 303,305 for a        guidance of the flange section between its first and second        position, optionally flange section 300 being provided with two        parallel or concentric bearing surfaces 303,305; and/or    -   part of a portion 31 a, 31 b for engaging with and guiding        flange 2 a′,2 b′ of capsule 2 a, 2 b, portion 31 a, 31 b having        a flange engagement and guiding arrangement 31 a′,31 b′        comprising facing rails or grooves for engaging with generally        opposite and corresponding matching edges 2 a′″,2 b′″ of flanges        2 a′,2 b′.

Bearing surface 303 of section 300 may be mounted on a pin 303′,optionally secured by a clip 303″ thereon. Such pin 303′ may protrudefrom third part 30 (FIG. 4). Bearing surface 305 may slide against acorresponding bearing surface 305′ of part 30 to assist proper guidanceof flange section 300 between its first and second positions.

At least one of first and second parts 10,20 may comprise an actuator10′ for actuating flange section 300 between its first and secondpositions, flange section 300 having optionally a dive arm 302 that isactuated by actuator 10′. At least one of first and second parts 10,20can be arranged to take selectively a first configuration for receivinga first capsule 2 a and a second configuration for receiving a secondcapsule 2 b larger than first capsule, optionally a first capsule 2 ahaving a first flange 2 a′ and a second capsule 2 b having a secondflange 2 b′ greater than first flange 2 a′. At least one of first andsecond parts 10,20 arranged to take selectively the first and secondconfigurations comprises such actuator 10′ that is moved between itsfirst and second positions by changing the configuration of said atleast one of the first and the second parts 10,20.

Section 300 may be actuated by the relatively moving parts 10,20 fromits first into its second position and returned into the first positionunder the effect of gravity or a magnet or a return spring or a similardevice. Alternatively, the section may be actuated by the relativelymoving parts from its first into its second position and returned intothe first position under the effect of gravity or a magnet or a returnspring or a similar device.

First and second parts 10,20 in their first configuration can berelatively movable across a first space 3 a. First and second parts 10in their second configuration can be relatively movable across a secondspace 3 b that is larger than first space 3 a. Flange section 300 in itsfirst position may extend into second space 3 b and may be moved intoits second position when first and second parts 10,20 in their secondconfiguration are moved to the extraction position. Flange section 300in its first position can: extend into first space 3 a and be moved intoits second position when first and second parts 10,20 in their firstconfiguration are moved to the extraction position; or remain outsidefirst space 3 a and remaining in the first position while first andsecond parts 10,20 in their first configuration are moved from thetransfer position to the extraction position.

Section 300 may extend into both first and second spaces 3 a, 3 b. Inthis case, section 300 can be moved from the first into the secondposition when first and second parts 10,20 are moved into the extractionposition irrespectively of whether first and second parts 10,20 are intheir first or second configurations. For example, as illustrated inFIGS. 10b and 11 b, section 300 is moved into its second position withboth configurations of first and second parts 10,20.

In a non-illustrated embodiment, second portion may comprise a secondflange section that is movable between a first position for engagingwith the second flange and a second position for freeing a passage forthe first capsule and/or for at least one of the first and second partse.g. in a configuration for receiving the first capsule.

The first and/or second portions may include movable sections 300 togive way to an object, the movement of which would otherwise interferewith the movable section in the first position. Typically, the objectcan be at least one of capsule 2 b, first part 10 and the second part;such capsule 2 b or first or second part being larger than spacing Dabetween movable sections 300 in their first position; such first and/orsecond part being larger than the spacing between the movable sections,the first and or second parts being for example structurally reinforcedand/or expanded to receive a larger capsule (second capsule).

At least one of first and second parts 10,20 may include an actuator 10′for actuating flange section 300, e.g. by acting on drive arm 302 offlange section 300.

At least one of first and second parts 10,20 can be arranged to takeselectively a first configuration for receiving first capsule 2 a and asecond configuration for receiving second capsule 2 b. For instance,first and/or second parts 10,20 has a first receiver part 11 a and asecond receiver part 11 b that are relatively movable between a firstposition for forming a cavity 11 that is small for receiving firstcapsule 2 a and a second position for forming cavity 11 that is largerfor receiving second capsule 2 b, for instance to receive capsulereceptacle 2 a″,2 b″. For instance, first receiver part 11 a is in thegeneral shape of a cup for receiving capsule receptacle 2 a″ and secondreceiver part 11 b is in the general shape of a ring outside or insidefirst receiver part 11 a. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1, 6 aand 6 b, first part 10 has a first receiver part 11 a for receivingfirst capsule 2 a and a second receiver part 11 b for receiving secondcapsule. In FIGS. 1 and 6 a, second receiver part 11 b is shown in itswithdrawn position so that first capsule 2 a can be received in cavity11 in its small configuration. In FIG. 6 b, second receiver part 11 b isshown in its extended position so that second capsule 2 b can bereceived in in cavity 11 in its large configuration. Receiver part(s) 11a, 11 b may be provided with a sealing arrangement, for instance agroove or other surface cooperating with a seal, e.g. an O-ring, to sealoff receiver part(s) 11 a, 11 b when held in a holder (not shown) ofsuch receiver parts. Examples of first or second parts 10,20 that cantake different configurations depending on the size of the capsule to behandled are disclosed in PCT/EP13/070866 and in PCT/EP13/070756.Configuring parts 10,20 can be achieved by an appropriate motorizationthereof or manually.

At least one of first and second parts 10,20 arranged to takeselectively said first and second configurations can comprise actuator10′ that is moved between its first and second positions by changing theconfiguration of the at least one of the first and the second parts10,20.

FIGS. 6a to 13b illustrate a loading and unloading sequence of capsules2 a, 2 b with a particular emphasis of flange section 300.

In FIG. 6 a, part 10 is configured to receive first capsule 2 a, secondreceiver part 11 b being in a rest position behind the mouth of firstreceiver part 11 a so that cavity 11 is in a short configuration forcapsule 2 a having smaller height ha. In FIG. 6 b, part 10 is configuredto receive second capsule 2 b, second receiver part 11 b being in anoperative position extending in front of the mouth of receiver part 11 bso as that cavity is in a long configuration for receiving secondcapsules 2 b having a greater height hb. Furthermore, in FIGS. 6a and 6b, a capsule of a first type 2 a and of a second type 6 b, respectively,are dropped into third part 30 under the effect of gravity alongdirection 2.

In FIGS. 7a and 7 b, capsule flanges 2 a′,2 b′ of capsules 2 a, 2 b areguided by third part 30. For example, capsules 2 a, 2 b slide alongseparate paths formed by first portion 31 a for guiding capsule flange 2a′ of first capsule 2 a and second portion 31 b for guiding capsuleflange 2 b′ of second capsule 2 b, first portion 31 a being bypassed bysecond flange 2 b′ and second portion 31 b being bypassed by firstflange 2 a′.

In FIGS. 8a and 8b capsules 2 a, 2 b are shown inbetween parts 10,20 intheir transfer position, whereby capsule flange 2 a′ rests on stopmember(s) 32 a and capsule flange 2 b′ rests on stop member(s) 32 b.Capsules 2 a, 2 b are illustrated in a slightly inclined orientationwhen resting on stop members 32 a, 32 b. See FIGS. 2a and 2b for thecapsule inclination.

In FIGS. 9a and 9 b, parts 10,20 are relatively moved from theirtransfer position towards the extraction position, faces 2 a ^(IV),2 b^(IV), e.g. capsule ends 2 a ^(IV),2 b ^(IV), having entered cavity 11delimited by part 10.

In FIG. 10 a, part 10 in the relative motion of parts 10,20 has urgedcapsule 2 a down under stop member(s) 32 a, thereby liberating capsule 2a from stop member(s) 32 a. In FIG. 10b capsule 2 b still rests on stopmember(s) 32 b, actuator 10′ acting on flange section 300, e.g. on arm302 thereof, to move it from its first position into its second positionand allow the passage of part 10 next to section 300.

In FIGS. 11a and 11b parts 10,20 are in their extraction position,flanges 2 a′,2 b′ being for example pinched for sealing between thesecond part 10, e.g.

extraction plate 21 and/or frame 22, and the mouth of receiver parts 11a and 11 b, respectively. In this case, flange 2 b′ has passedunderneath stop member(s) 32 b whereby capsule 2 b is liberated fromstop member(s) 32 b. In FIGS. 11a and 11 b, flange section 300 are intheir second position so as to avoid interference with the passage ofpart 10.

In FIGS. 12a and 12 b, parts 10,20 are relatively moved from theirextraction position towards their transfer position, capsule 2 a, 2 bbeing withdrawn from extraction plate 21. As explained in grater detailsbelow, separators 33 act against flange 2 a′,2 b′ to separate capsule 2a, 2 b from part 10 while parts 10,20 are moved towards their transferposition.

In FIGS. 13a and 13 b, parts 10,20 are in their transfer position.Capsule 2 a, 2 b has been allowed to drop under the effect of gravityalong direction 2′ under stop members 32 a, 32 b. Flange section 300 isno more maintained by actuator 10′ into the second position and has beenallowed to return into its first position. Device 1 is ready to handle anew capsule 2 a, 2 b.

The third part 30 can be fixed to first part 10 or to second part 20.Optionally, third part 30 is integral with or assembled to the part10,20 it is fixed to. For example, third part 30 is fixed to frame 22 ofsecond part 20 as illustrated in FIGS. 14a to 17 b.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 13 a, 13 b, 13 x and 14 a to 17 b, device 1may include separation means 33 for separating capsule 2 a, 2 b from atleast one of first and second parts 10,20, such as from a cavity 11 inat least one of first and second parts 10,20, when first and secondparts 10,20 are relatively moved from the extraction position to thetransfer position. For instance, separation means 33 are movablerelative to at least one of first and second parts 10,20, separationmeans 33 being for example fixed to third part 30. Separation means 33can be configured to act against either of first and second flanges 2 a,2 b. Separation means 33 can be movable to adapt spatially to either offirst and second flanges 2 a, 2 b. Separation means 33 may have anengaging portion 33 a that is movable into a position for engaging withfirst flange 2 a (FIG. 16a ) and into a position for engaging withsecond flange 2 b (FIG. 16b ). Separation means 33 can also be movedinto other positions, for example into a rest position (FIGS. 1 and 2)or into a position in which it is bypassed by relatively moving parts10,20 (FIGS. 11 a, 11 b, 15 a and 15 b). Separation means 33 can beresiliently movable for acting against first and second flanges 2 a′,2b′ and positionable by first and second capsules 2 a, 2 b, optionally byfirst and second capsule receptacles 2 a″,2 b″ of first and secondcapsules 2 a, 2 b, to engage with first and second flanges 2 a′,2 b′(FIGS. 16a and 16b ).

For instance, separation means 33 may comprise a separator body 33 ahaving an extremity that is configured to act against either of firstand second flanges 2 a, 2 b.

In an embodiment, the separation means has a separator 33 that has acapsule engaging portion 33 a and an anchorage portion 33 b for mountingseparator 33 in such device 1. Engaging portion 33 a may be articulatedon anchorage portion 33 b, for instance about a hinge 33 c (FIG. 1).Anchorage portion 33 b may be fixed to device 1, e.g. to third part 30,in any appropriate manner, for instance assembled by one or more meansselected from screws, rivets, glue and welding, or it may be integrallyformed with third part 30 or another part of device 1. See for exampleFIGS. 1 and 13 x. The engaging portion forms optionally a ram 33 a foracting, e.g. pushing, against capsule 2 a, 2 b, in particular againstcapsule flange 2 a′,2 b′, for separating such capsule from at least oneof first and second parts 10,20, in particular from a cavity 11 in suchpart 10,20. See for example FIGS. 16a and 16 b.

As illustrated, device 1 may include a pair of such separators 33, forexample to act on opposite edges 2 a′″,2 b′″ of flange 2 a′,2 b′. Atleast one of first and second parts 10,20 can be located betweenseparators 33 when in the extraction position and/or such capsule 2 a, 2b can be located between separators 33 when in the extraction position.When first or second part 10,20 is located between separators 33, theseparators may be in a third position for allowing passage of part10,20.

At least one of first and second parts 10,20 can have a cavity 11 forreceiving a capsule receptacle 2 a″,2 b″ of such capsule 2 a, 2 b.Separation means 33 may be movable relatively to cavity 11 so thatcapsule flange 2 a′,2 b′ of such capsule 2 a, 2 b is intercepted byseparation means 33 moving relatively to cavity 11 when first and secondparts 10,20 are relatively moved from the extraction position to thetransfer position so as to withdraw capsule receptacle 2 a″,2 b″ fromcavity 11.

FIGS. 14a to 17b illustrate an unloading sequence of capsules 2 a, 2 bwith a particular emphasis on separator 33 acting on flanges 2 a′,2 b′to remove capsule 2 a, 2 b from device 1.

In FIG. 14 a, part 10 is configured to receive first capsule 2 a,receiver part 11 b (partly cut away to reveal receiver part 11 a) beingin a rest position behind the mouth of receiver part 11 a so that cavity11 within receiver part 11 a is in a short configuration. In FIG. 14 b,part 10 is configured to receive second capsule 2 b, receiver part 11 b(partly cut away to reveal receiver part 11 a) being in an operativeposition extending in front of the mouth of receiver part 11 b so asthat cavity is in a long configuration. Part 10,20 are in their transferposition and capsules 2 a, 2 b are located inbetween parts 10,20.

In FIGS. 15a and 15 b, parts 10,20 have been relatively moved into theirextraction position whereby capsules 2 a, 2 b have been liberated understop means 32 a, 32 b and are housed in the extraction chamber whileflanges 2 a′,2 b′ are pinched inbetween first and second parts 10,20. InFIG. 15 a, flange 2 a′ is pinched between the mouth of receiver part 11a and part 20, for example extraction plate 21 and/or frame 22. In FIG.15 b, flange 2 b′ is pinched between the mouth of receiver part 11 b andpart 20, for example extraction plate 21 and/or frame 22.

In FIGS. 16a and 16 b, parts 10,20 are moved apart from their extractionposition towards their transfer position, flange 2 a′,2 b′ being heldback by separator 33 so as to separate capsule 2 a, e.g. capsulereceptacle 2 a″,2 b″ from part 10, such as from cavity 11. In theillustrated embodiment, an extremity 33 a of separator 33 acts againstflange 2 a′.2 b′.

In FIGS. 17a and 17 b, parts 10,20 are in their transfer position andcapsules 2 a, 2 b are allowed to drop under the effect of gravity.

1. A device for handling a capsule having a flange, comprising: a firstpart and a second part that are relatively movable across a space from atransfer position for inserting and/or removing the capsule to anextraction position for extracting such capsule; a third part forguiding the capsule to inbetween the first and second parts when in thetransfer position a stop member for successively: stopping the capsuleinbetween the first and second parts in the transfer position;maintaining the capsule while the first and second parts are relativelymoved from the transfer position towards the extraction position toreceive the capsule; and allowing a liberation of the capsule from thestop means after reception of the capsule by at least one of the firstand second parts while relatively moving towards the extractionposition; the third part having a flange section that has a firstposition for engaging with and guiding the capsule flange when the firstand second parts are in the transfer position before liberation of thecapsule from the stop member; and the flange section in the firstposition extends into the space, the flange section being moved afterthe liberation from its first position to a second position in which theflange section is retracted from the space to allow a crossing thereofby the at least one of the first and second parts.
 2. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the flange section includes at least part of the stopmember.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the flange section has acharacteristic selected from the group consisting of: pivotable ortranslatable between its first and second positions, provided with atleast one plain bearing surface for guidance of the flange sectionbetween its first and second position; and/or part of a portion forengaging with and guiding the flange of the capsule, the portion havinga flange engagement and guiding arrangement comprising facing rails orgrooves for engaging with generally opposite and corresponding matchingedges of the flanges.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one ofthe first and second parts comprises an actuator for actuating theflange section.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of thefirst and second parts is arranged to take selectively a firstconfiguration for receiving a first capsule and a second configurationfor receiving a second capsule larger than the first capsule.
 6. Thedevice of claim 5, wherein the at least one of the first and the secondparts arranged to take selectively the first and second configurationscomprises the actuator.
 7. The device of claim 5, wherein the first andsecond parts in their first configuration are relatively movable acrossa first space and wherein the first and second parts in their secondconfiguration are relatively movable across a second space that islarger than the first space, the flange section in its first positionextending into the second space and being moved into its second positionwhen the first and second parts in their second configuration are movedto the extraction position, and the flange section in its firstposition: extending into the first space and being moved into its secondposition when the first and second parts in their first configurationare moved to the extraction position; or remaining outside the firstspace and remaining in the first position while the first and secondparts in their first configuration are moved from the transfer positionto the extraction position; or extending into the first and secondspaces and being moved into its second position when the first andsecond parts in their first configuration or in their secondconfiguration are moved to the extraction position.
 8. The device ofclaim 1, for handling a first capsule having a first flange and a secondcapsule having a second flange greater than the first flange, whereinthe third part has: a first portion for engaging with and guiding thefirst flange of the first capsule; and a second portion for engagingwith and guiding the second flange of said second capsule, the thirdpart being so configured that: the first portion is bypassed by thesecond flange when the second capsule is guided to inbetween the firstand second parts in the transfer position; and the second portion isbypassed by the first flange when the first capsule is guided toinbetween the first and second parts in the transfer position.
 9. Thedevice of claim 8, wherein the stop member comprises at least one memberfor stopping the first capsule after engagement in the first portionand/or for stopping the second capsule flange after engagement in thesecond portion.
 10. The device of claim 8, wherein the first portion hasa first flange engagement and guiding arrangement dimensioned for thefirst flange and wherein the second portion has a second flangeengagement and guiding arrangement dimensioned for the second flange.11. The device of claim 8, wherein the first portion, has a first flangeengagement and guiding arrangement comprising facing rails or groovesfor engaging with generally opposite and corresponding matching edges ofthe first flange and/or wherein the second portion has a second flangeengagement and guiding arrangement comprising facing rails or groovesfor engaging with generally opposite and corresponding matching edges ofthe second flange.
 12. The device of claim 11, wherein the first andsecond portions have the facing rails or grooves, the facing rails orgrooves of the first portion being spaced apart by a first spacingdistance adjusted to the first flange, the facing rails or grooves ofthe second portion being spaced apart by a second spacing distanceadjusted to the second flange, and the second spacing distance beinggreater than the first spacing distance.
 13. The device of claim 8,wherein the third part has a characteristic selected from the groupconsisting of: a branching portion, for directing the first flange tothe first portion and the second flange to the second portion; a commonportion for engaging with any of the first and second flanges and forguiding the flanges either to the first portion or to the secondportion; and a window for allowing any of the capsules into the thirdpart.
 14. The device of claim 1, comprising a separator for separatingthe capsule from at least one of the first and second parts, when thefirst and second parts are relatively moved from the extraction positionto the transfer position.
 15. The device of claim 14, wherein theseparator is resiliently movable for acting against the flanges of thecapsules and positionable by the capsules.
 16. The device of claim 14,wherein the separator is configured to act against either of the firstand second flanges.
 17. A system comprising a capsule and a device forhandling the capsule having a flange, comprising: a first part and asecond part that are relatively movable across a space from a transferposition for inserting and/or removing the capsule to an extractionposition for extracting such capsule; a third part for guiding thecapsule to inbetween the first and second parts when in the transferposition; a stop member for successively: stopping the capsule inbetweenthe first and second parts in the transfer position; maintaining thecapsule while the first and second parts are relatively moved from thetransfer position towards the extraction position to receive thecapsule; and allowing a liberation of the capsule from the stop meansafter reception of the capsule by at least one of the first and secondparts while relatively moving towards the extraction position; the thirdpart having a flange section that has a first position for engaging withand guiding the capsule flange when the first and second parts are inthe transfer position before liberation of the capsule from the stopmember; and the flange section in the first position extends into thespace, the flange section being moved after the liberation from itsfirst position to a second position in which the flange section isretracted from the space to allow a crossing thereof by the at least oneof the first and second parts.
 18. A method for handling in a devicecapsule having a flange, the device comprising: a first part and asecond part that are relatively movable across a space from a transferposition for inserting and/or removing the capsule to an extractionposition for extracting such capsule; a third part for guiding thecapsule to inbetween the first and second parts when in the transferposition; a stop member for successively: stopping the capsule inbetweenthe first and second parts in the transfer position; maintaining thecapsule while the first and second parts are relatively moved from thetransfer position towards the extraction position to receive thecapsule; and allowing a liberation of the capsule from the stop meansafter reception of the capsule by at least one of the first and secondparts while relatively moving towards the extraction position; the thirdpart having a flange section that has a first position for engaging withand guiding the capsule flange when the first and second parts are inthe transfer position before liberation of the capsule from the stopmember; and the flange section in the first position extends into thespace, the flange section being moved after the liberation from itsfirst position to a second position in which the flange section isretracted from the space to allow a crossing thereof by the at least oneof the first and second parts, a capsule having a flange, whereinsuccessively: the capsule is guided by the third part to inbetween thefirst and second parts in the transfer position; the capsule is stoppedby the stop member inbetween the first and second parts in the transferposition; the capsule is maintained by the stop member inbetween thefirst and second parts when relatively moved from the transfer positiontowards the extraction position; the capsule is being received in atleast one of the first and second parts when relatively moved from thetransfer position towards the extraction position; the capsule isliberated from the stop member after reception of the capsule by atleast one of the first and second parts while relatively moving towardsthe extraction position; and after liberation of the capsule, the flangesection is moved from its first position to its second position in whichthe flange section is retracted from the space to allow a crossingthereof by the at least one of the first and second parts. 19.(canceled)
 20. The device of claim 9, wherein the stop member comprisesa characteristic selected from the group consisting of: at least onepair of facing members for stopping thereinbetween the first capsuleflange and/or the second capsule flange; and at least a first member forstopping the first capsule flange and at least one second member forstopping the second capsule flange; and a pair of facing first membersfor stopping therebetween the first capsule flange and a pair of facingsecond members for stopping therebetween the second capsule flange.